Challenge

DR Congo is plagued by violence as a lethal guerrilla war rages in the remote east. Children as young as seven are captured by militia groups to fight in a conflict which they cannot possibly understand. They are taken from their families, denied an education, and forced into a life of violence. It is vital that these innocent children are rescued and resettled back into their own communities. It is our task to provide stable futures for these children who had their childhood cruelly taken away.

Solution

By negotiating the release of child soldiers with militia groups and giving them a life back in their communities, we are able to secure a better future for these vulnerable, traumatised children. We provide them with food and shelter, counselling, and an education or livelihood so they can resettle. We give them back their right to a childhood and a future.

Long-Term Impact

Our aim is to ensure that every rescued child soldier is resettled into their community and given an education and tools to earn a living. They escape a life of violence and become skilled members of society, in doing so helping their communities escape poverty. The project also provides education on the dangers of the militia through radio campaigns and community groups so people have the skills to reject the advances of recruiters and strive for lasting solutions to this violent conflict.

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